Same issue for me as well.
Windows Update
Windows could not search for new updates
Error code: 80246002
Error message when first checking for updates, not when trying to apply an update.
All updates successful in update history. No failed updates.
Here's what I've tried:
-- Rename the Windows Update download folder
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/958056
-- Stop and restart the windows update service via services.msc
(can't remember where I found this)
-- Ran "Fix Microsoft Windows Update Issues" as found here:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/windows-update-issues/en-us
file ran: WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.diagcab
In the CheckSURLog.cab output.txt I find the following line that might mean something (but might just be echoing the same error):
Last Displayed Message :2014-08-28
09:58:51:228
728 9fc
AU # WARNING: Search callback failed, result = 0x80246002
-- Ran FixIt found here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-7
File ran: MicrosoftFixit50123.msi
-- Tried turning Windows Firewall AND Security Essentials off to see if they were somehow blocking.
(no effect)